Everything Old Is New Again

The following article was written by PETA internGabby Bess.

Now that you’ve got your canvas shopping bag emblazoned with “Meat’s not green!” and a reusable water bottle to match and keep you refreshed in the summer heat, you’re going to need an equally refreshing (and vegan) summer wardrobe. Well, this season, you can skip the mall and expensive boutiques because you can find a new look at your local thrift store!

“Thrifting” is an eco-conscious way to shop. Plus, your local Goodwill or Salvation Army can be treasure troves of goodies, ranging from kitschy vintage finds to the latest summer trends.

This summer, the trends include a boho-chic look: long, flowy maxi dresses, oversized sunglasses, tribal prints, and layers of accessories, which thrift stores have no shortage of! Also on the radar are 70s-inspired looks: high-waisted bottoms, wide-leg trousers, and sheer tops. What better place to get a 70s look than a thrift store where the pieces are actually from the 70s?!

But before you start shopping, check out my tips for vegan thrifters:

Thrift regularly and often. Many times, thrift stores will have days on which their already inexpensive merchandise is marked down even further. Bonus! It’s also important to go regularly because thrift stores get new merchandise almost daily. You could be missing out on your dream vintage find!

Make a list of things that you are looking for in order to avoid random purchases. Sure, that vest with cats all over it is only 99 cents, but do you really need it?

Wear an outfit that is easy to wear while trying on clothes. Often times, thrift stores have limited dressing rooms, or none at all, so it’s important to wear an outfit that you can easily put clothes over. I would suggest wearing a basic tank top and shorts or simple pants.

Check garments for small rips and tears and assess if it’s truly worth fixing them.

Try to find shops off the radar. Goodwill and Salvation Army are fantastic, but smaller shops will have a more refined selection and fewer people to compete with.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to dig in. Bring hand sanitizer if you need to, but don’t be afraid to search through the racks and bins. It will totally be worth it when you find the perfect summer outfit!

And remember: Just because leather and fur items are vintage or secondhand does not mean that they are cruelty-free. But with our tips, you’ll be on your way to finding a stylish and compassionate summer ensemble in record time and at a record price!

What’s your favorite way to find animal-friendly fashions on the cheap? Share your style secrets in the comments below!

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Part of my motivation for opening a vintage store was the “green” factor. My husband and I have long worn vintage and I have been an environmentalist for years. Our store combines things we both love, recycling and style. With economy friendly pricing, recycled shipping materials and a willingness to please we run our store. Go Green Go Vintage! http://www.erasofstylevintage.com

I also go to vintage shows because they are huge and your selection is great. Here is one I love that travels around the country. I go to it in NYC and always find clothing, accessories and even furniture and I buy. http://www.stellashows.com/

90% of my “new” clothes come from my favorite charity resale shop. Whenever I am complimented on an item I am wearing (and since I see hundreds of people each week, that happens often!), I proudly say that I found my whatever-it-is at a resale shop, AND I say what I paid.

People are amazed that I can buy a large bagful of beautiful, professional clothes for under $100. Most of the time they’ll ask where the shop is — and I am very happy to share. It supports mental health services for children, and the entire staff is volunteers, so I feel especially good about shopping there.

If you don’t have the time or the patience searching through the racks and mothballed local thrift store and you would like to thrift from the comfort and glow of your laptop screen, or your local thrift stores are just not worth it, or you wish to not have to drive to them only to be possibly disappointed by a store lacking in treasure…

First stop would be to check out my vintage store, prices are low, postage is easy, and all peaceful skeletons are welcome…

Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights? Read more.